News: First active duty soldier selected in newspaper’s young professional awards

Capt. Joseph Cosci, U.S. Army Central force integration specialist, participates in Sumters Annual National Anthem Project Day Sept. 12, on the front steps of Patriot Hall in Sumter, S.C. Cosci spoke to the crowd about "Patriotism" and what the national anthem means to him. Cosci was recently promoted to the rank of major this past November. (Photo by Staff Sgt Taikeila Chancey, USARCENT Public Affairs)

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – The State newspaper in Columbia has named a U.S. Army Central soldier among the top 20 young professionals in the Midlands, under the age of 40.

Maj. Joseph Cosci, a force management officer and West Columbia resident, became the first member of the active duty military to be so honored. He will receive an award from the newspaper at a reception Thursday as one of the top rising young professionals in 2013.

Cosci, 36, will not accept the award in person, due to his current deployment in the Middle East.

"Joe is a true patriot, who genuinely cares about the Army and his community,” Lt. Col. Robert Jones III, U.S. Army Central force generation branch chief, said. “We are really proud of him.”

Each year The State, South Carolina’s largest newspaper, honors 20 rising young professionals in the Midlands under the age of 40 who are committed to improving life in their communities. This year marks the 11th edition of The State newspaper’s annual class of “20 under 40” winners.

Winners of this annual award range from citizens who are active in their communities to young professionals who are becoming rising stars in their particular career fields.

“This is such a great honor for me,” Cosci said. “It's great to have United States Army Central and the profession of arms represented in this annual project that recognizes leadership and investment in community. The spirit to serve is alive and well in my generation. It's up to each of us to contribute to the strength of our institutions and our society at large."

Cosci arrived at U.S. Army Central, based at Shaw, in 2013 and was recently promoted to the rank of major. Cosci said he takes pride in making a difference in his unit, as well as the Sumter community.

He actively seeks out opportunities to make an impact, whether it’s volunteering as a mentor in the Sumter School District, giving speeches in the community on patriotism, or just being a leader in his directorate.

Cosci said he wants to earn his keep as an American citizen.

“I'm the beneficiary of the incalculable sacrifice and ingenuity of Americans who came before me,” Cosci said. “It is my duty to serve.”

Cosci, a native of Long Island, N.Y., said the tragic events of 9/11 inspired him to join the Army.

“When the commander-in-chief told America, through a bullhorn, our enemies would be hearing from all of us soon, it left an indelible mark on me, Cosci said. “I know families from my old neighborhood that lost brothers who served the people of New York on that day. It was then that I internalized deeply the spirit to serve.”

“I feel I must earn my keep as an American citizen. I'm the beneficiary of the incalculable sacrifice and ingenuity of Americans who came before me,” said Cosci. It is my duty to serve.”

Winners of the award received a plaque and were featured in a special edition of The State newspaper, lauding them as highly accomplished young professionals throughout the Midlands of South Carolina.